My lawn is absolute sh!t after the winter- dead spots all over the place, etc.<br><br>As compared to all the other lawns in the neighborhood, which seem to start to be growing. Even the common area, that everyone lets their dogs go to the bathroom on, looks better than my grass.<br><br>Any tips on what I should be doing? I'm guessing re-seeding and some sort of weed killer is involved- but I've only had the house for two years and obviously I'm doing this wrong. I'm tempted to call one of those professional services, but I worry about my dog and the chemicals. And I also don't want to have to KEEP calling them every year just to get my lawn back into shape...<br><br>Tips? Thoughts? I was also thinking of just replacing the entire lawn with rocks, alå the Jersey shore...<br><br>[color:red]5.19.05 - The 'Jedi Slaughter' tour begins!</font color=red>

I'm doing my lawn right now too. First step was to de-thatch the lawn to remove the dead stuff. Just reseeded the bare spots. Now I'm watering...<br><br>My parents, that have always had a perfect lawn, have this advice - "Water, Water, Water" and of course that is followed by "Cut, Cut, Cut". Bird feeders and corn attract the birds to take care of the pests.<br><br>Meanwhile, son of perfect lawn parents, (that's me) seems to have to throw fertilizers, weed killers and I have an ever going battle with crab grass (heck sometimes I just give up - it's green!).<br><br>I guess a green thumb helps.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>

Pete .. <br><br>Timely topic! I was in the exact same boat two weeks ago. <br><br>After the winter, my lawn was dead. Dead spots everywhere. Note that I've never taken a serious interest in my lawn .. ever. I'd mow it, but was about it. A month ago, we were in Half Price Books unloading a few books and DVDs. While browsing, Steph ran across a book that has completely changed my outlook on lawncare ...<br><br><br><br><br><br>I HIGHLY recommend this book. Get used. Get it new. Just get it.<br><br>After absorbing this book, it was game on! Two weeks ago, I went to Lowes and started Scotts 4-Step program. We picked up the first bag in the 4-Step program, a bag of Kentucky Bluegrass grass seed and a SpeedyGreen 3000 broadcast spreader:<br><br><br><br><br><br>After fertilizing, I then went back over the lawn and spread the Kentucky Bluegrass seed. One key is to not be in a rush and try to be as uniform as possible. Then, we water every morning. Each night the sprinklers are moved around for the next morning's watering. <br><br>So .. Two weeks ago:<br><br><br><br>yesterday:<br><br><br><br>I couldn't be happier with how the lawn is turning out!<br><br>****************<br>

Great, I will try and keep up- I just ordered the book for $4 on Amazon, and I'll look around for the 4-step stuff in my local garden centers...<br><br>I don't know if I can keep up with the watering bit though - how long does that go on for? The whole summer? And how long is each watering session? <br><br>I've also read that sometimes you can get away with a few heavy waterings every so often, as opposed to light waterings multiple times a week.<br><br><br><br>[color:red]5.19.05 - The 'Jedi Slaughter' tour begins!</font color=red>

The book explains it all. There are different watering strategies for different types of soil compositions. One thing the book talks about is that it's better to water to a depth or 6 to 8 inches (in one watering), rather than water every so often. Doing this promotes better root growth and a more durable lawn. <br><br>We have a pretty large backyard, so it'll require us to move the sprinklers around to make sure the entire lawn is getting water every week.<br><br>****************<br>

The watering and 4-step program also works for me. i normally seed the lawn with a 20 pound bag in the spring. Make sure you do not make the mistake I made the first time and that is get the cheap annual seed!<br><br>The down side to watering is the expense if you do not have a well. Last year, the water bill was running nearly $50 a month more due to watering the yard (and pressure washing stuff).<br><br>

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>Another thing I like about it here - too far north for crab grass!<p><hr></blockquote><p><br>I've never understood the infatuation with lawns that some people have. Educated people using fertilizers and things to make grass grow, only to cut it. I figure if it will grow in this climate it deserves a place in my yard, whatever it is.<br><br>

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